mrbadexample

I've been looking for a better 1915 halfpenny for a while now, as my current one leaves a little to be desired: But they're not easy to come by in good grades. The weekend before last I found one, although the photo wasn't great. The seller had a few more, so I bought a few to save on postage.

I think I've the same views as you InforaPenny. I want to see those two letters, the I and the P. I can (just) on my 1903, but not on the 1904 (which is ok, as it's a nice enough coin in hand). As for the 1905, when I eventually get one it'll probably be a flat disc with a date on.

Funnily enough I've just upgraded mine too - they are hard to find. It's not quite as good as yours, and it has an odd matt finish that makes me think it might have been dipped (can anyone tell from these pics?) It was only a tenner, delivered, so I don't think I've done too badly.

Already got mine thanks Pete!

I was just kidding mate; I think I've been spoiled by Colin's extensive work on farthings.

Blimey, you've got to stay on your toes around here eh?

Firstly Rob, can you direct me to your website where you've listed and photographed virtually every variety of halfpenny?

You've been volunteered! One volunteer is worth 10 pressed men. You'll be pleased to know I've got far fewer halfpennies than farthings.

Colin, you'll be glad to know I've gone through up to 1956, and the only thing I've found that might be noteworthy is some extra metal on the base of the neck on my 1941. Have a look and see what you make of it - seen anything like it before? So you're off the hook now, you'll be glad to know. Who's the resident halfpenny expert I need to pester now then?

Just this one I think. Although if you say you know me, she'll add a bit on for you.

I haven't been to a coin fair in years so my stoop needs a little work. Shouldn't take long though. Did someone mention there's a fair in York? My sister's got a B&B there so I've somewhere to crash...

Would be good to put a face to the name. Bring your spare small date 1875 farthings.

Ah, the coin fair's only up t'road. I can go almost anytime.

Thanks again Colin. Another variation I need to add to my list of wants.

I do hope to. I've not been before, but they've got a bit of history by all accounts.

Ok Colin, hope you're still tuned in! I'm having a spot of trouble with the 1911 - hollow neck or flat neck? I think this is flat, but depending upon what angle the photo's taken from, I could be persuaded of either.

I'd heard about the Midland coin fair at the Birmingham Motorcycle Museum, and was quite looking forward to going. But it's on Valentine's Day so I won't be able to make it. I'm taking the missus to Rome for a romantic weekend which is nothing to do with Italy v England in the 6 Nations so I'll have to make my first visit in March. I understand that's a bigger fair anyway?

It's a slow and painful process. I'll mess it up again in a bit.

Ok, more confident with this one! Large 9, A/A in VICTORIA which would correspond to the die pairings 2+C recorded on your site.

Happy with that Colin - I can't see it and it was only the thickness of the bar that made me think it was a possibility, compared to my 1872 and some of the pictures on your site.

Righto, I've got to 1873 now! Can you tell me if you think this is a 7/7 please? The (only) reason I suspect it might be is the thickness of the top bar of the 7.

Hurry! To cap it all I'm confusing myself. The above defects are on an 1861 (Obv 2), not an 1862. I expect you knew that but were too polite to say.

Make no apology! In fact, thanks for taking the trouble to pen such a detailed reply - it really does help. From my own point of view, I started by collecting the date run 1860-1956. Having done that, obviously I needed a 1860 beaded border as it's quite different to the toothed and to my mind, clearly a different coin. Heaton mint marks? Of course - they're still clearly different. Large 9? Hmmm... Close sixes? Maybe... And so it goes on. Personally, I don't much like my 1862. The imperfections to the C and T, and lack of a second stop in the colon detract from the coin. It means I need a better one with all the detail intact. Each to their own, of course, but it is difficult to know where to draw the line, and I haven't quite decided yet either. As for reverses C&D - I'll let you know when I get there. I've only got as far as 1866. Flippin' USB microscope - now I've got to examine every letter and every number of every coin. It makes everything look worse - look at the state of the date in what I previously thought was a half decent 1860BB - I need a new one of those now!